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3550 BCE
Ancient Mesopotamia
The Sumerians, Akkadian, Assyrians, and Babylonians dominated Mesopotamia. This civilization took place in the fertile crescent between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. It is considered the beginning of civilization. Flooding created fertile soil for their civilization to flourish.
Conquered by Achaemenid Empire. It fell to Alexander the Great in 332 BC who brought forth the Greek language . -
3100 BCE
Ancient Egypt
The ancient Egyptians lives revolved around the gift of the Nile. The Nile supported all life for this civilization. They had a social pyramid and the farmers and the slaves at the bottom were the ones that used the Nile to feed the civilization. The believed in Egyptian Gods and they even considered their Pharoh to be a god. The first Pharoh was King Menes. They were very advanced and complex with many brilliant inventions to make life easier. -
2500 BCE
Ancient India
Historians estimate Ancient India to be the biggest of all four early civilizations. Much of this civilization still remains a mystery due to lack of being able to translate the INDUS SCRIPT. Primarily used stamps to write in clay. Their cities were well planned out with great architecture that housed about 80,000 people each. Because they were domesticated they practiced farming and food storage. Historians believe they were an egalitarian (equal) society. -
1800 BCE
Ancient China
Located in east Asia, this area of rugged mountains (Himalayas) and deserts (Gobi) kept them isolated from the rest of the world which resulted in a unique culture. The soil from rivers was rich which resulted in growth of rice in rice paddies. These farmlands were owned by the wealthy (nobles). They were also known for their Silk. They used the Silk Road to export these goods. Their civilization worked because of rice growth near the Yellow River. Their history is divided into dynasties. -
1235 BCE
Mali Empire
Established 1235CE collapsed in 1600CE. Formed when ruler Sundiata Keita united the tribes of the Malinke peoples. They became stronger overtime and took over surrounding kingdoms. They were led by the emperor Mansa and Mali was divided into provinces. Consisted of many small tribes of Mande peoples who were divided into castes. Farmers were highly regarded because they provided food. They practiced Islam. They controlled trade routes across the Sahara desert. -
1100 BCE
Ancient Isreal
Ancient Israel was settled in the land of Canaan. Their descent is traced back to the original ruler named Abram who migrated from Mesopotamia. According to records their people migrated there because of slavery and mistreatment. According to history they were the first colony to practice Monotheism. They implemented their religion with the ten commandments and strived to respect all members of the community. There were originally ten tribes of Israel and were later conquered by the Romans. -
800 BCE
Ancient Greece
Ancient Greece was formed over 4,000 years ago by Mycenaeans where they created their great cities.These cities had rich culture, laws, and rulers. They believed in the Gods and their stories explained much about their lives aka Greek Mythology. These Gods were carved in stone and placed in temples. They invented theater and only men were the actors.They had festivals for the Gods and created the first Olympic Games. It is the southern most country in Europe east of the Mediterranean Sea. -
650 BCE
Ancient Rome
Ancient Rome got its name from its first ruler Romulus who named the city after himself. Romans are famous for the creation of the concrete roads. They were also well known for their large public bath buildings as well as using Gladiator fights for entertainment and punishment of criminals. These Gladiator shows were carried out in the Colosseum. The Romans also cared immensely about their clothing and fashion trends. The family unit was important for Romans aka the structure of society. -
300 BCE
Imperial China
Imperial china can be divided into three subperiods; Early, Middle, and Late. There were many great innovations during this time such as a Qin innovation called "Scholar-official" who handled daily governance. A legal code was also implemented as well as a written language, measurement system, and currency. During this period the were well known for their amazing calligraphy. The Han dynasty brought forth art, culture, and science. -
250 BCE
Japanese Civilization
Ancient Japanese culture contributed large contributions to world culture. These people designed amazing architecture, the Shinto religion, the oldest pottery vessels in the world, and the worlds first novel. They were greatly influenced by China & Korea yet they were free to select those ideas. Their culture believed in gods and over 800 spirits. They positioned their rice fields near coastal areas and had exceptional trading practices and were greatly influenced by trade. -
225 BCE
Mayan Civilization
The Mayan people made their home in Mesoamerica (modern day mexico). Hunting and fishing were important for the Maya civilizations. They ate corn,veggies, a variety of fruit and always had tortillas. They created hundreds of ceremony cities in the rain forest and they believed they could speak with the Gods through human sacrifice. Their civilization begin to decline around 800 CE. -
900
Islamic Caliphate
The Early Islamic period had rapid expansion for the Islamic empire and the religion of Islam. The Middle East experienced a time of prosperity and scientific advancements. The practiced the religion of Islam that quickly spread through the region and made a huge impact on the culture. After Muhammad died the Islamic government was called the "Caliphate". This Golden Age was a period when science, culture, technology, education, and the art flourished. -
1100
Medieval Europe
The Middle Ages was a time of economics and society. In medieval Europe, rural life was governed by a social hierarchy or "fuedalism". the majority of people lived in the country as farmers. The peasants would work for the local lord. Those that lived in the city were craftsmen and merchants. Most people lived in small one bedroom homes and work heavy plain clothing made of wool. Their diet consisted of stew and bread and very few people attended school. -
1300
Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire ruled a large portion of the Middle East and Europe for over 600 years. When it later dissolved it became the country of Turkey. It was founded by Osman 1 a leader of the Turkish tribes. He established government and allowed for religious tolerance. Religion was important in this civilization the Ottomans were Muslims, but did not force religion on citizens. The Tulip period was a time of artistic peace. Tulips were considered a symbol of perfection and beauty. -
European World Empires
The age of discovery with Portugal + Spain pioneered European exploration of the world in search of empires. Prince Henry's Navigator sailors went in search of empires.The main intention was to find spice trading routes.The Portuguese ships returned with gold + slaves. Conquistadors searched for land. Christopher Columbus explored S America where the Portuguese would later settle.The Seven Years War would occur over trading routes.This would lead to the colonization of the thirteen colonies.
